die Anschaffung
acquisition / purchase
The process of buying or acquiring something, usually larger or durable items.
EXAMPLE
Die Anschaffung eines neuen Autos muss gut überlegt sein.
The purchase of a new car needs to be carefully considered.
die Anschaffung
acquisition / purchase
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Meanings
die Anschaffung
acquisition / purchase
The item itself that was bought or acquired.
EXAMPLE
Meine neueste Anschaffung ist eine professionelle Kaffeemaschine.
My latest acquisition is a professional coffee machine.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Die Anschaffung' (the acquisition/purchase) comes from the verb 'sich etwas anschaffen' (to get/buy something). The ending '-ung' turns the action of the verb into a feminine noun.
EXAMPLE
Die Anschaffung neuer Büromöbel wurde vom Chef genehmigt.
The purchase of new office furniture was approved by the boss.
Typical collocations
When referring to the buying process, people often speak of a 'große Anschaffung' (major purchase), 'teure Anschaffung' (expensive purchase), or 'geplante Anschaffung' (planned purchase).
EXAMPLE
Für viele junge Familien ist ein eigenes Haus eine sehr große Anschaffung.
For many young families, owning a house is a very major purchase.
Context clue
Whether the process (meaning 1) or the item (meaning 2) is meant can be recognized from context. If there is a possessive pronoun before it (meine, deine, seine), the item is almost always meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Anschaffung war teuer, aber es hat sich gelohnt.
The purchase was expensive, but it was worth it.
Compare with
Anschaffung vs Kauf
purchase
Kauf is the general term for acquiring something in exchange for payment. Anschaffung is used especially for larger or durable items and can highlight a planned expense for something that will remain in one's possession and be used for a longer time. Kauf fits an ordinary purchase, while Anschaffung is often more suitable for this kind of long-term acquisition.
Anschaffung
Die Anschaffung der neuen Waschmaschine haben wir lange geplant.
We had been planning the purchase of the new washing machine for a long time.
Kauf
Der Kauf der günstigen Kopfhörer war eine spontane Entscheidung.
Buying the inexpensive headphones was a spontaneous decision.
In real life
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